Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
German Bautista is a recent 2018 graduate of Wheeling High School. During his years at Wheeling High, German completed all levels (1-AP) of the Italian program. I was one of German’s teachers, along with Angela Hawkins and Cody Mueller.
German, who participated in the AATI Italian National Contest Exam every year, was awarded a national placement annually from among the countless awards he received from placing in this contest. By far the best and most rewarding was a free two-week stay in Italy. German chose to stay in sunny Sorrento, a city not far from Naples. In Sorrento, German enjoyed a home stay in a bustling city of culture and beauty during his two-week study abroad.
German’s commitment to learning the Italian language was realized in receiving and taking this trip to Italy. As German’s Italian teacher, I am forever and eternally grateful to the AATI, which not only awarded this treasure but also gifted a young man who could not be more deserving.
German had never traveled out of his hometown of Wheeling, where he lives with his mother and brother. He is a student who has faced many an obstacle at his young age. This trip opened his mind to the amazing opportunities and incredible offerings his future holds.
As a District 214 educator, I am constantly reminded of the importance and relevance of creating these real-world opportunities for students. I’d like to thank the administration of Wheeling High School for its unrelenting support not only of our Italian programs but also for constantly encouraging us as educators to create career-ready students.
— Mariangela Bonasera
